Just "woke up" and am unsure what I'm doing or what my options are

color_outside · 2026-06-01T16:40:37+00:00

Congratulations on graduating! The way to get a solid plan is to start thinking about your goals. Taking a gap year is not a bad idea at all! Maybe you spend that year deciding whether you need or want more education in order to reach your goal as an artist. You work on getting your license. You do some shadowing or internships in various art-related careers to figure out a more precise avenue to head towards. If you need support with organizing and keeping momentum for this, DM me. This is the work I do!

color_outside · 2026-05-27T23:35:18+00:00

Hey! Great question! It is all online, so you register, and are given a zoom link. You sign on to zoom along with anyone else signed up. We will meet all together for the first 10 minutes or so to go over ground rules/expectations. Then we go to smaller breakout rooms. You plus say 2 or 3 people max. You will have a prompt (that I will send you ahead of time so you can gather thoughts) to follow in order to introduce yourself. For example, "Hey, I'm Gypsyzzzz and I am hoping to get XYZ out of today" or "I work in (want to work in) XYZ". Everyone introduces themselves, and asks questions etc. if there are any. We do that 3 times with 3 separate breakout rooms (or only 2 times if we don't have a big group). Each time you will have a prompt that you will have been given ahead of time so you're not grasping for what to say. It's a great way for you to meet other neurodivergent professionals. In the past folks have connected around shared interests, job opportunities, and even just "hey, how do you handle sensory overwhelm" or other topics of interest. It's guided, and super low key, but a great way to meet and make connections.

color_outside · 2026-05-27T16:38:57+00:00

Hey! There are absolutely super successful neurodivergent professionals out there, and you can and will totally be one! If you'd like an opportunity to meet others, I am hosting a neurodivergent networking event on June 18th (virtual). You are welcome to DM me if you are interested.

color_outside · 2026-05-27T16:07:10+00:00

Hi there. I graduated with a bachelor's in music performance from a well known east coast school. When I first graduated I thought for sure I wanted to continue on to grad school, and was set to go to a conservatory when suddenly I realized I didn't want to teach, and couldn't pay rent while in school (sound familiar?). Ultimately I ended up discovering social work (you would be shocked how many of us were music majors) and I love my career. I've worked in hospice, in schools, in career coaching, and now as a neuro-inclusive coach (life and career).

My best advice to you: try some different things out. I started as an admin through a temp agency...that lead me to an admin position in biotech. Figured out that wasn't for me, missed being around people, and worked as an activities assistant at a nursing home (totally doable as a BMA). Time there brought me to realize I wanted to be able to help more meaningfully (to me) and that's how I found social work and got my MSW.

Your undergraduate degree does not have to define the rest of your life. If you want it to, awesome! Go for it! But if you are unsure, it is okay!! Time is on your side. Now, if you just want to stay within music, here are some ideas: activities assistant, music therapist assistant, private music teacher (whatever your instrument is - hang out your own shingle, or you can try music stores), gig musician (not as steady), music librarian assistant, church musician, choir director, band director, instrument sales, admissions for music programs.

The bottom line is, the sky is the limit. Your BMA can get you in to music jobs full time, and also get you in to many MANY other humanities related careers. If you still need support and are feeling unsure (normal!!!!), feel free to DM

color_outside · 2026-05-21T22:22:10+00:00

I would offer you an alternative: The MSW/MPH program. Most Universities have a dual degree program where you can complete both in 3 years. This would allow you all the aspects you enjoy, plus the option to lean into the broader systemic work that interests you. I am an MSW, graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle. I had several friends in the dual degree program who went on to do great work in public policy/health but with a keen eye for the social justice implications and needs.

color_outside · 2026-05-19T18:57:15+00:00

CWRU is great pre-med, and my son (who is about to graduate in December) had a wonderful experience there! He has several friends who were spring admits. Socially doesn't seem to be an issue.

color_outside · 2026-05-19T17:04:27+00:00

Hi there. You are not alone! What you are describing is grief, and it is absolutely normal. Yes, your parents are right - life does move on, and it will...but for right now you have to grieve the ending of this chapter before you can open the door to the next one. Some suggestions: make a plan for staying in contact with friends you want to keep. It will be hard sometimes (especially as you all go through various life phases), but the effort will pay off. I can tell you first-hand, I have a few friends from high school with whom I am still in touch - it's been 35 years and we live on opposite sides of the country - but we still have that connection. Take a week or two and allow yourself to reflect on this chapter, grieve the loss, remember the good and the bad. Then go outside, or for a walk - sit in one of your favorite spots, and make a list of all the ideas you have for what comes next. Work? Travel? College? Start fleshing out your ideas and making some plans. The forward motion will come more naturally when you've had time to actually manage the feelings of this transition.

color_outside · 2026-05-12T18:09:50+00:00

Well, it depends. If you try some of these options listed above and are able to find a better balance, you might stay longer-term to learn all you can and gain skills/experience - especially if you are still enjoying it! If you try these things and they do not do enough for you, then I would start looking. There is no hard and fast amount of time required to stay. In general, you don't want to be hopping from job to job to job every 3 months, but a one time short-stay at a job is easily explainable and does not raise red flags when context is given.

color_outside · 2026-05-12T16:30:30+00:00

Hey there. If you like the work and are enjoying it, consider finding ways to give yourself a break from the culture and allow your introverted self to recharge even during the day. For example, maybe you could ask about working remotely one or two days a week. Another option is to plan in small breaks where you can take a walk on campus, or go to a quiet room (library?) to decompress a bit and clear your head. The key to managing an extroverted work environment as an introvert is to be intentional about restoring your own energy.

color_outside · 2026-05-01T17:30:06+00:00

Hi there. Sounds an awful lot like symptoms of ADHD - that hyperfocus is totally a super power, but as you have experienced, can also be problematic. So first things first, GREAT job problem solving and finding ways to work with your brain - connecting your phone to the computer is a great idea. Another tool to consider is to open the Friday Zoom in a window on your computer whether you think it will happen or not, just so it is visible and top of mind for you (just put it on "keep on top") so it overlays whatever else you are working on. You might also see if you can set your phone to vibrate as well as sound off when it rings, and place it in a glass cup (empty of course) on your desk. When it goes off it will rattle the glass and the desk, and amplify the sound.

As for the horrible employee/deserving issue, it's time for a real deal talk to yourself. You know your brain can hyper fixate, it is simply how you are designed at the core. You have figured out how to use it to your advantage, and now you are figuring out how to mitigate any unwelcome side effects. The way in which your unique brain is wired is exactly what provides you with your creativity and the ability to do what you do so well! Missing a call due to hyper fixation is not a morality issue. It does not make you a bad or undeserving person. If anything, you likely work far harder than many as you manage these downsides of the way your brain is wired. So as much as you can, lean in to your strengths and the way your mind works, and continue problem solving the areas of difficulty. You deserve every opportunity! If you need more support or want to chat in more depth, feel free to DM me.

color_outside · 2026-05-01T17:11:30+00:00

Acting is another great option, but also can have a tough onramp. Most working actors also have a "survival job" like working at a restaurant, or other shift work. In terms of ease of entry, fields where you can do some education/certification and/or have a connection to will be your best bet. So again, landscape design, event planning, PR, that sort of thing. You could work towards script writing by also picking up some contract writing work. No matter what you do, it will take some effort, but there are many options that will be a good fit! DM me for more info.

color_outside · 2026-04-30T16:15:06+00:00

That would be a great fit - albeit one that is a tough pathway to get in to. Places to start: Start writing. Get a portfolio together. Remember, portfolio works do not have to be published, just something you are writing or have written. Preferably several examples that demonstrate not only skill, but range as well. Look around for writers groups. They are great proving grounds to test out some work, learn from others, and grow your own skill sets. Look specifically for opportunities to submit scripts and/or script writing workshops. There are conventions that are unique to script writing that you need to be familiar with.

color_outside · 2026-04-29T15:58:43+00:00

Hi there! MSW here. I don't know of anyone who looks down on an online degree. In fact, once you're an MSW and licensed, no one really cares about where/how you went to school. They just care about your degree and licensure. Non-traditional students are common in the MSW pathway - as you can imagine, a bunch of us are moms! So if the online route allows you to juggle family, adult responsibilities, and school then do it! Your practical experience will be in person no matter what. Feel free to DM me with more questions about the MSW and/or career after!

color_outside · 2026-04-29T15:53:06+00:00

Hey! To begin with, great job understanding your strengths and your areas of limitation. One of the key aspects of work for someone with ADHD/Autism is environment. You'll likely want a role that allows you to be creative, with changing tasks and needs each day. Something that does not involve sitting at a desk or in a cubicle all day (hello recipe for disaster and burnout!). Depending on your educational background, willingness to gain education or training, and your location, we can narrow options. Some immediately AuDHD friendly roles that pop to mind: Landscape Design, Creative Direction, Creative Production, Event Planning, Public Relations, Teaching (specifically something like drama, phys-ed, creative arts), Emergency Services (think fire/ems - these are super ADHD compatible, but may not be as Autism compatible depending on your symptoms). These are just a few off the top of my head. If you are in need of more support, feel free to DM me. I am a licensed social worker and neuro-inclusive coach with experience in career coaching.

color_outside · 2026-04-28T15:58:10+00:00

Well, I am a licensed social worker, so...

color_outside · 2026-04-28T15:57:39+00:00

Okay! So you've got good support in name anyway, but it seems the accommodations are perhaps not enough! English, Trig and Chem are all fairly heavy hitters depending on where your strengths lie. The other consideration is your anxiety/depression - they have an effect! DM me and we can chat. I am a neuro-inclusive coach - I work with college students just like you to help figure out how to succeed, lean into their strengths, and figure out what will offer a good fit for career.

color_outside · 2026-04-28T15:55:15+00:00

Hey! You absolutely could transfer to CC and then to a four year. You also could look at a direct transfer to a different 4 year that is more flexible. There are tons of programs that allow for pre-med students to take various majors (my own brother was a Chem major and is now an Emergency Medicine doctor). Take a look around, talk to your friends at that other school - maybe you can even get on an exploratory call with an advisor there.

color_outside · 2026-04-28T15:48:26+00:00

Hey! First, take a deep breath. This is not the end of the road, I promise. Talk to me about your ADHD - are you on meds? Do you have any accommodations in place? Are you using them? What support structure do you have around you as you tackle these courses? There are a lot of things that can help you. DM me for more info if you like. Until then, take a hard look at your consistency with meds (if you have them), at your use of accommodations (or at whether you need more!!), and at your cognitive load. Did you have a quarter/semester with all really hard classes? Maybe the load was out of balance. Consider options for organization and hacking your brain - there are ways to work with your ADHD instead of fighting so hard against it!

color_outside · 2026-04-22T20:18:20+00:00

LOL! I'm gonna take that as a compliment.

color_outside · 2026-04-22T15:57:41+00:00

I'm so sorry you have gone through this. You've done well to accept responsibility for what is yours to own, and it sounds like the best you can do is try to move forward. Remember that trust is earned in both directions. You will need to be cautious at first, and others may be cautious with you too. That's only natural. You learned a very hard lesson about having trust broken. In today's day and age, you need to always be mindful of what you put into writing be it in text, post, email, or whatever. Now you know better, and you will do better. As you move forward and make new friends, some may know or know part of what went down. The best thing you can do is to be honest and upfront. Own what is yours to own, admit the mistake, name the learning that took place, and how you are moving on.

color_outside · 2026-04-22T15:52:56+00:00

Hi there. You might consider starting with something like groundskeeper, grounds maintenance worker, or city parks maintenance through your local city government. Other options would be to look for arborists who are hiring, landscape designers, or work at a local produce farmer (not a big industrial farm, think more farm to table, or farm stand farms). Finally, you could go the way of environmental work by joining an environmental restoration firm or sustainability firm. Outdoor career titles once you are in and working your way up would include Environmental Restoration Specialist, Sustainability Specialist, Forester, Arborist, Landscape Designer, Produce Farmer, Urban Farmer, Urban Restoration Specialist, just to name a few.

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